Description
- Abstract:
- In our approach to understanding the biomechanics of concussions, we have defined head impact exposure as a multifactorial term that includes the frequency, magnitude, and impact location of head impacts for individual athletes. The primary objectives of this dissertation were to collect and quantify head impact exposure in several populations of contact sport athletes, examine these variables in relation to head impact mechanisms, correlate this data with clinical outcomes related to concussion, and assess the differences between males and females in these measures. We found that head impact exposure for individual athletes is sport and gender-specific, and dependent upon team, session type, and player position. We also found head impact exposure is correlated with diagnosed concussions. Based on these findings, we have proposed that reducing an individual’s head impact exposure is a practical approach for reducing the risk of brain injuries. To investigate strategies for reducing head impact exposure, we synchronized impact data with game video footage to evaluate the biomechanics of head impacts associated with specific head impact mechanisms (e.g. head contact with the ice in hockey) to determine which circumstances of play result in frequent or high magnitude head impacts. Finally, we evaluated differences between males and females in concussion rate and the biomechanics of head impacts associated with diagnosed concussion. Female hockey players had significantly higher rates of concussion per head impact than male football players. While females had higher rates of concussions than males, single impacts associated with concussion and head impact exposure on days of diagnosed concussions were lower for female hockey players compared to male football players. These findings suggest that females may have a lower biomechanical tolerance to concussion injuries. Only fifty percent of the concussions that were diagnosed during the course of the study were associated with a single impact, indicating there may be a cumulative effect of head impacts. The outcomes of this study allow for the development and validation of improved on-field concussion management (including early detection and accurate diagnosis), prevention strategies, and interventions. Additionally, data from this study may inform and improve future helmet design.
- Notes:
- Thesis (Ph.D. -- Brown University (2014)
Access Conditions
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- In Copyright
- Restrictions on Use
- Collection is open for research.
Citation
Wilcox, Bethany J.,
"Head Impact Exposure: The Biomechanics of Sports-Related Concussions"
(2014).
Biomedical Engineering Theses and Dissertations.
Brown Digital Repository. Brown University Library.
https://doi.org/10.7301/Z0G73C1Z
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Biomedical Engineering Theses and Dissertations
Theses and Dissertations for the Biomedical Engineering department....